HC Deb 16 March 1928 vol 214 cc2269-70
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I gave notice yesterday of a private notice question to the Postmaster-General, which I propose to put, although the right hon. Gentleman is not here. Perhaps the First Lord of the Admiralty will be able to answer it. The question is as follows: "To ask the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed to hand over any Government property or rights to the new Cable and Wireless Telegraphy Combine, which has been or is about to be formed." I presume this matter affects the Admiralty, and, therefore, my right hon. Friend may be able to reply.

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

I am sorry to disappoint the hon. and gallant Member, but he sent me no notice of this question, and I do not know what it is. Not being the Postmaster-General, I am afraid that I cannot reply. I have had private notice of another question, but I am sorry that I cannot reply to this one.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I want to raise a question of privilege. First of all, the Postmaster-General allows information of this business combine, which must affect His Majesty's Government, to leak out on the Stock Exchange and into the Press, thus neglecting his duty to this honourable House—

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

This is clearly hypothetical, and I cannot allow it.

Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHY

The other side of my protest is this: I give ample notice both to the Post Office permanent officials and to the right hon. Gentleman the Postmaster-General, and he neglects his duty to this House by not coming here to answer a private notice question on a matter of grave public importance which Mr. Speaker allows.